Our favorite local dining attractions (names connect to website):
Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Redwood City, Mountain View are rich in choices.
OpenTable is our favorite way to search and book.
Mostly staying West of 280, all available via country roads).
At the bottom of the hill and walkable (the return is invigorating).
Longtime roadhouse and beer garden, now under new ownership and thriving. Can be busy (and, can be easier if you walk; at the lower end of Golden Oak, at the upper end of the road barrier, you'll find a path that takes you down and avoids having to walk on the street on that tricky curve). Busy days mean a 2-hour maximum; you can ask to go into the bar inside (or just go in, like an ordinary bar); all ordering is via your mobile device, and there is a great menu, wine list, and full bar. Played a part in the origin of the Internet: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/15/how-the-internet-was-invented-1976-arpa-kahn-cerf
In Ladera Shopping Center on Alpine Road.
Locally owned, best carnitas in town, and the owner, Don Pilar, is also a renowned Tequila distiller. https://www.donpilar.com/
Local bar, patio seating, casual and delightful. We are there more than once weekly (often quite a bit more).
No reservations.
Inside and outside and a sushi bar as well. Longstanding and popular. No reservations. We are regulars.
French Italian and More; imaginative menu and a great staff. Reservations suggested, via OpenTable.
Lovely bar, inside and outside, great fun. We are regulars.
Taverna
Local branch of a famously popular Greek restaurant in Palo Alto,
Get your Evvia fix while staying in the neighborhood! Inside and outside dining.
Amazing grocery. Full deli; you can build a take-out meal with fabulous choices. An, a full service grocery store. Where we shop.
Branching Out but still nearby:
On Woodside Road (can be reached by scenic back roads). Popular and famous for decades; at one time the Elaine's of Silicon Valley. Inside is a kid's paradise -- the owner's collection of memorabilia.
Flea Street Cafe:
Down Alpine Road (which turns into Alameda De Las Pulgas (Avenue of the Fleas).
Founded by Jessie Cool decades ago -- the Alice Waters of the Peninsula. Frequently voted the best in dining.
Goldy's absolute favorite. Reservations on OpenTable highly recommended,.
In the nearby Rosewood Hotel, (can be reached by back roads, or, the first exit North of Alpine off 280).
A lively bar and a generous outdoor area. Fine dining, highly rated, not inexpensive, great veranda, and a family favorite.
Alpine road, right, to Portola Road, right.
Set in the redwoods nearby along Portola Road, a local favorite with beautiful outdoor dining and a diverse menu, great wine list. Dine in the redwoods! Memorable. We are regulars.
Reserations via OpenTable highly recommended.
Sister to the Village Bakery, and a local favorite, with a lively bar, outdoor seating including a secluded patio in back (our favorite). A classy bakery restaurant combo that is highly recommended. On Woodside Road. Can be reached by back roads.
Reservations on OpenTable highly recommended.
Very fine dining;,prix-fix multi-course dining with caviar choices, and a treat. Yet, there is a pub menu option, so you can still get a couple of great cheeseburgers and a bottle of Caymus Cabernet for under $650.
($600 for the Caymus). Off Woodside Road.